Database Info

Skype over 3G Data Only plan

I've always liked the versatility of a PDA/smartphone but I could never justify the cost of a voice plan that I barely use and a data plan. It occurred to me to try getting a data only plan and running Skype with a subscription for the few voice calls I get. I'm hoping someone here has tried this before and can give me some feedback on their experience.
AT&T's coverage maps claim Houston is blanketed in 3G/HSPDA. For the majority of my day I'm in a WiFi area and not really mobile too much, but the quality of both the call and 3G service when driving around Houston is still a slight concern.
What will happen to my phone number when I switch to a data only plan? If I keep it, what happens when someone tries to call it or send me a text message?
I can't really upgrade to a smartphone to try it out and drop the data plan if it doesn't work, considering AT&T has made data plans mandatory for smartphones, and I'll be stuck paying for one.

Huh, that's very nice!

nathanpc said:
Huh, that's very nice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I suppose it is. Instead of paying $50 for a bunch of minutes I don't use, I can pay $35 for unlimited data and messaging and a couple $ more for unlimited calling and a phone number with Skype. I end up paying about the same amount but getting a much better deal.
IF it works. I've been able to test a call on Verizon but that doesn't tell me anything about AT&T's data network. I tried streaming Pandora while driving when I got my current phone and that was a disappointment - though I think the Pandora app was the majority of the problem. Still, I have no idea if the call quality will be terrible or if calls will be dropping on me while having full signal, etc, etc. Has anyone tried this recently?

It's a little bit expansive...

Just to make sure, I'll drop it after this: There is no one out there who has tried this already?

haven't / cant try it here, often wondered about this too. id say double check att's buyer remorse policy (i think its 30 days return) make sure you can undo any contract changes, but take the phone and try it. all you would stand to lose is the time lost with returning bureaucracy, a small risk given the potential reward

Sprint sell smartphones with data only plans
including plam pre and touch pro 1 & 2 with 2 year contract what's great about it's the data plan is just $30
http://www.sprintrelaystore.com/
they don't ask for proof that you are really are deaf

Still being under contract with AT&T kind of limits me to sticking with them. As soon as I can get some pricing for upgrade on the LG Expo's, I'll probably be moving ahead with this. I spoke with three people at AT&T to make sure there wouldn't be any trouble and confirmed I'll be able to get the data only plan on a smartphone and fulfill the data plan requirement.
The plan isn't actually just data with voice disabled, it's really the reverse of a regular voice plan: package with minutes, billed per Kb of data usage VS unlimited data package, voice/messages billed per minute/message. Beauty of it is that you can forward incoming calls on your cellphone and you won't be charged - which solves the problem of everyone still calling me on my cellphone.
Unfortunately sms/mms will still go through and I'll be charged. Still working out the kinks on that. I figure I'll have to start giving out a different number at some point in time so I'll probably use Google Voice for this and forward SMS to email, but that doesn't work for MMS. Maybe I'll just have to get the cheap messaging plan, or maybe just eat the cost of the occasional MMS. Unless I can also forward messages to a different number or email from the phone which would just solve everything.
Of course, none of this is a problem for me, but trying to make this seamless and hassle free for people calling me is the goal.

llvllerlin said:
I've always liked the versatility of a PDA/smartphone but I could never justify the cost of a voice plan that I barely use and a data plan. It occurred to me to try getting a data only plan and running Skype with a subscription for the few voice calls I get. I'm hoping someone here has tried this before and can give me some feedback on their experience.
AT&T's coverage maps claim Houston is blanketed in 3G/HSPDA. For the majority of my day I'm in a WiFi area and not really mobile too much, but the quality of both the call and 3G service when driving around Houston is still a slight concern.
What will happen to my phone number when I switch to a data only plan? If I keep it, what happens when someone tries to call it or send me a text message?
I can't really upgrade to a smartphone to try it out and drop the data plan if it doesn't work, considering AT&T has made data plans mandatory for smartphones, and I'll be stuck paying for one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does not work very well.
also - skype absolutely drains the battery. we are talking 1-2 hours of standby time before the battery goes from 100% to 0%.

llvllerlin said:
Still being under contract with AT&T kind of limits me to sticking with them. As soon as I can get some pricing for upgrade on the LG Expo's, I'll probably be moving ahead with this. I spoke with three people at AT&T to make sure there wouldn't be any trouble and confirmed I'll be able to get the data only plan on a smartphone and fulfill the data plan requirement.
The plan isn't actually just data with voice disabled, it's really the reverse of a regular voice plan: package with minutes, billed per Kb of data usage VS unlimited data package, voice/messages billed per minute/message. Beauty of it is that you can forward incoming calls on your cellphone and you won't be charged - which solves the problem of everyone still calling me on my cellphone.
Unfortunately sms/mms will still go through and I'll be charged. Still working out the kinks on that. I figure I'll have to start giving out a different number at some point in time so I'll probably use Google Voice for this and forward SMS to email, but that doesn't work for MMS. Maybe I'll just have to get the cheap messaging plan, or maybe just eat the cost of the occasional MMS. Unless I can also forward messages to a different number or email from the phone which would just solve everything.
Of course, none of this is a problem for me, but trying to make this seamless and hassle free for people calling me is the goal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI, AT&T still doesn't have the eXpo, but RadioShack is selling it right now. I upgraded mine for $149.

In the UK we have "Three", They allow skype calls on their mobile phones and offer plans for as little as £15 with unlimited texts, unlimited internet, 200 minutes and unlimited skype usage (I believe it comes with "SkypeOUt" or whatever it's called). Skype to skype calls are always free even if you are on pay as you go (Prepay) and have no credit!
If you don't have something similar in the US then it will more than likely come soon as this sort of thing is starting to catch on. It's actually quite encouraging because if Google Voice does launch over here and google plans on having a "google voice" only mobile phone then three would be a network willing to consider it.

coolVariable said:
does not work very well.
also - skype absolutely drains the battery. we are talking 1-2 hours of standby time before the battery goes from 100% to 0%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I take it you've tried it out then. My phones are usually docked while I'm at work and when I get home they might go 3 hours before it's back on the charger for the night.
If you don't mind, what carrier and city, and around when did you try it out? Was it over WiFi or 3G?
SPIDERTECH said:
FYI, AT&T still doesn't have the eXpo, but RadioShack is selling it right now. I upgraded mine for $149.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to check it out then. I still haven't seen a single word on availability yet and RadioShack's website shows nothing about it. What city?

llvllerlin said:
I take it you've tried it out then. My phones are usually docked while I'm at work and when I get home they might go 3 hours before it's back on the charger for the night.
If you don't mind, what carrier and city, and around when did you try it out? Was it over WiFi or 3G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3G. AT&T. Tried it pretty much all over SoCal, primarily LA, San Diego and Santa Barbara.
Just doesn't work.

[Q] Grandfathered Plan on LTE?

Hey guys, I know that there was another thread on this previously, but there was no answer. I have an old Sim (from around 2008) and just purchased a Skyrocket. I tried using the APN for the LTE, but didnt recieve any internet signal at all. I am currently using the HSPA+, but I was wondering if you guys had any ideas on what could be causing the problem. Thanks in advance.

Call att they will add the right plan...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

You need a lte sim
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

...you're using a SIM from 2008?
You need a new SIM dude.

Yes, I am actually an old employee and they never took away my plan, so I have avoided going into an ATT store or calling them for about 3 years. lol. What is the difference between an LTE sim and another one? I thought that they just got smaller.

I was in the same boat as you earlier this week. I was still using the same sim for probably the past 4-5 years.
I had to first go get a new LTE sim from the AT&T store. Mine was free although I've heard some places try and charge you.
Next I had to call up 611 and have them change my data plan which was previously listed as "Blackberry Personal Unlimited" <--LOL and switch it over to one of the new LTE unlimited plans.
Took about 5 mins on the phone with the ATT rep and I had LTE service. Congrats on the phone! I've had mine for less than a week and am loving it!

Hey any of you guys think Best Buy would give you a free sim?

Corporate AT&T stores (from my experience) give you free SIMS....Authorized Retailers usually try and charge you.
I have never had a problem with my local AT&T Corporate store, it's the only one I will go to....I never go to an Authorized Retailer.

I really only go to BB because of the insurance being 9.99 a month

GeezyF.Ladies said:
Hey any of you guys think Best Buy would give you a free sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my phone at a BB and my sim was free.

thetacoking2 said:
Hey guys, I know that there was another thread on this previously, but there was no answer. I have an old Sim (from around 2008) and just purchased a Skyrocket. I tried using the APN for the LTE, but didnt recieve any internet signal at all. I am currently using the HSPA+, but I was wondering if you guys had any ideas on what could be causing the problem. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having the same problem. I have the SIM out of the box of the skyrocket...

dnlgorz said:
I am having the same problem. I have the SIM out of the box of the skyrocket...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call AT&T and have them provision your line with the LTE plan, there's a specific plan that needs to be added so that your phone will connect to the LTE towers.

I came from an iPhone 3GS. I was allowed to keep my unlimited data plan (which doesn't exist anymore for new people) and got my SIM for free. I did this at a retail store. I say just go in. Verify they aren't going to do anything you don't like before you give them your account info.

dnlgorz said:
I am having the same problem. I have the SIM out of the box of the skyrocket...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may have to perform what's called an IVR acceptance. I'm recently separated from the company but I consider myself a decent expert on the processes. Did you order the phone from online/call center? If so, when AT&T sends the phone, due to you not being able to PHYSICALLY sign a contract when you upgrade/activate, etc., they place this feature on your account until you dial *862 (from the CURRENT, not new, phone) and accept the terms. You'll need the Billing Zip, Account Holder's Last 4, and the phone # of course. It's all automated. Try that out and THEN insert the new SIM in the SR. It amazed me how many customers would call CARE or go to a store and get stuck for hours because the "rep" thought it was a technical issue when it's really a 2 minute process.
---------- Post added at 05:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:59 PM ----------
thetacoking2 said:
Hey guys, I know that there was another thread on this previously, but there was no answer. I have an old Sim (from around 2008) and just purchased a Skyrocket. I tried using the APN for the LTE, but didnt recieve any internet signal at all. I am currently using the HSPA+, but I was wondering if you guys had any ideas on what could be causing the problem. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming you just attempted to just swap the SIM into the LTE SR and keep it rolling. They're correct when they say you need a new SIM. There's a coding to the network that older (especially 2008) SIM cards won't accept because the network hadn't been constructed @ the time. You will ALSO need an LTE data plan on the account so make sure you've done that as well.

Thanks for all the help guys. I think I am going to give them a call and switch it to a new sim to see if that would work. I have to switch phones first, lol. My plan is super cheap right now, and I got the phone at a steal at 340. My sim card is old as hell, and I will see if it will work without me having to pay more for my old employee plan. I hope they dont ask me for my supervisor's name. Wish me luck.

thetacoking2 said:
Thanks for all the help guys. I think I am going to give them a call and switch it to a new sim to see if that would work. I have to switch phones first, lol. My plan is super cheap right now, and I got the phone at a steal at 340. My sim card is old as hell, and I will see if it will work without me having to pay more for my old employee plan. I hope they dont ask me for my supervisor's name. Wish me luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the data feature as stand-alone or integrated into the rate plan itself? Some school districts did it that way. 99% of us have stand-alone. If that's the case, it shouldn't affect your current stasis.
Skyrocket CM7 O/C +

Its the one that has it all integrated into the single plan. Here is the text from the plan.
Agent National Retail 2000 Anytime & Unlimited Night/Weekend & Unlimited Mobile-To-Mobile Minutes Including Unlimited MB:

thetacoking2 said:
Its the one that has it all integrated into the single plan. Here is the text from the plan.
Agent National Retail 2000 Anytime & Unlimited Night/Weekend & Unlimited Mobile-To-Mobile Minutes Including Unlimited MB:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. Rather unique plan you have there. Looks like you have a grandfathered plan that isn't for smartphones. That being the case, outside of the iPhone 2g trick, you're stuck with capped data options.
Sent from my SGH-I727 using XDA App

Someone else a RadioShack employee too? Been gone since mid-08 and am also still on the same plan. I was looking at finally upgrading my Touch Pro 2 and was curious about the data. Looks like I'm pretty much stuck considering I don't want to lose my $25/month plan.

unlimted
I was able to keep unlimited grandfathered data with 4g, but no matter what i did, or who i talked to, LTE would take it away, so i said keep the 4g, im using a skyrocket, and i dont get lte in my area for now, so its kind of ok ( except for travel)
but i had to do this all on the phone with an att rep, nothing was doable online.
hope this helps someone.

how can i keep this phone without a plan

What's up guys. NOOB HERE. Cut me some slack. I currently own a iPhone 4s on att. I just got a good deal on a rooted Skyrocket.
This is the problem. I don't have a iPhone data plan. I just use the phone and wifi.
So I bought a sim card adapter, and I placed the sim card into the skyrocket.
Soon as I do that, att changes my phone plan,and adds a 4g Lte plan. Is there anyway around this?
[email protected] all day with wifi, @home with wifi. ...
I like the phone a lot. But I don't need a data plan.
Has anyone had to deal with this

att are not allowed to do that, you always have the choice, thats the purpose of having buying a phone full price

polish_pat said:
att are not allowed to do that, you always have the choice, thats the purpose of having buying a phone full price
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, they sent me some BS email, saying that smartphones require a data plan.
They are designed for surfing the internet and use a lot of data. You are required a data plan

BookinZ06 said:
What's up guys. NOOB HERE. Cut me some slack. I currently own a iPhone 4s on att. I just got a good deal on a rooted Skyrocket.
This is the problem. I don't have a iPhone data plan. I just use the phone and wifi.
So I bought a sim card adapter, and I placed the sim card into the skyrocket.
Soon as I do that, att changes my phone plan,and adds a 4g Lte plan. Is there anyway around this?
[email protected] all day with wifi, @home with wifi. ...
I like the phone a lot. But I don't need a data plan.
Has anyone had to deal with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Switch to H2O wireless. Port your number. And you are all set. You pay just as much as ATT without data but still get data (2GB) ...

k4ce said:
Switch to H2O wireless. Port your number. And you are all set. You pay just as much as ATT without data but still get data (2GB) ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice. But I have a family plan with att for several years now with 3 other phones.
I thought maybe there was something I can download and install on the phone - so no data or information goes back to att

BookinZ06 said:
Thanks for the advice. But I have a family plan with att for several years now with 3 other phones.
I thought maybe there was something I can download and install on the phone - so no data or information goes back to att
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When they identify your phone as a smartphone, they don't do it through the data you send them, they don't through your imei number which is broadcast to att via your sim. So an app or rom won't do you any good. I can't speak for att, but tmobile has a similar policy with all smartphones requiring data but i have used a Nokia n8 on their network for 2 years without anyone tacking on a data plan.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

I'm on at&t prepaid $2/day without data - so far. I bought a data package before they changed their policy to monthly only for smartphones plus data package. I don't talk/text every day, so $2/day seemed worth trying. When they switched policies, I just did not buy a data package and as far as I know, I don't have at&t data access. But I have been able to use my phone for calls. Don't know what will happen when my $100 runs out, but that will probably be several months from now. Meantime I have a mobile hotspot I can use if out and about and think it necessary to check emails.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA

You have to talk to a super visor. I have a the nexus without a data plan on att. Had to jump thru hoops though, rep said its done automatically through there computers so it had to be over ridded. And I had to call back
3 times because no one would do it for me.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

Anyone running on Simple Mobile and getting Wifi Calling to work?

Hiw did you get it to work if so?

Anyone?

Yes, I went to simple on my phone last week and my wife's today, wifi working no problems on both. Use latest stable cm7.2.0 and go to settings, wireless, mobile networks, access point names, check the simple circle and reboot.
[email protected]

mustangtim49 said:
Yes, I went to simple on my phone last week and my wife's today, wifi working no problems on both. Use latest stable cm7.2.0 and go to settings, wireless, mobile networks, access point names, check the simple circle and reboot.
[email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol thanks, but i was asking about wifi "calling". Like making phone calls on wifi as opposed to your network.

Not to hijack but how do you like simple I'm a T-Mobile monthly 4g user and thinking of switching... do they throttle like T-Mobile
Sent from my LG-G2x using Tapatalk 2

TheKid1 said:
Lol thanks, but i was asking about wifi "calling". Like making phone calls on wifi as opposed to your network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think WiFi Calling is a T-Mobile feature only.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=28018861
DJLamontagneIII said:
Not to hijack but how do you like simple I'm a T-Mobile monthly 4g user and thinking of switching... do they throttle like T-Mobile
Sent from my LG-G2x using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After years of the Tmobile $250 a month no matter what your plan. I had 2 phones with 10gig plans for $250, went down to 2gigs on both, $250 a month. Not only is simple as fast if not faster, even though its Tmobile's network, its truly unlimited high speed Internet! No limits, $60 a month, period.
[email protected]

mustangtim49 said:
After years of the Tmobile $250 a month no matter what your plan. I had 2 phones with 10gig plans for $250, went down to 2gigs on both, $250 a month. Not only is simple as fast if not faster, even though its Tmobile's network, its truly unlimited high speed Internet! No limits, $60 a month, period.
[email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree. I was paying $120/month with sprint. It was a $99 plan but with all their bull shart taxes and fees, it came out to $120/month and whatever else they decide to charge you for. Simple mobile has no surprises. $60 flat a month for unlimited everything and if you dont pay you dont get service, simple as that. Once you pay for the next month, phone is back on, and also no extra fees, simply unlimited. I love it.
Oh and make sure its a tmobile phone you are hooking up or you wont get 4g beooooooooooooootch!

TheKid1 said:
Totally agree. I was paying $120/month with sprint. It was a $99 plan but with all their bull shart taxes and fees, it came out to $120/month and whatever else they decide to charge you for. Simple mobile has no surprises. $60 flat a month for unlimited everything and if you dont pay you dont get service, simple as that. Once you pay for the next month, phone is back on, and also no extra fees, simply unlimited. I love it.
Oh and make sure its a tmobile phone you are hooking up or you wont get 4g beooooooooooooootch!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know... on the subject of WiFi calling I was looking for it as well. I do like what you say about the cost, but seeing how my current GSM phone didn't get reception at my house with TracFone; I am looking for a network which can use WiFi when I am in my house.
Seeing how I'm home most of the time I will need to be able to receive phone calls at my house. I did hear that Metro PCS is also a T-Mobile carrier phone system which can use WiFi calling. I do believe you phone needs to actually support WiFi calling in order to do so.
I have a ZTE Axon 7 mini which is currently on Marshmallow(Android 6.**) however the Nougat (Android 7.**) OS is in Beta testing and once that is done my phone will have WiFi calling ability with T-Mobile. I say all of this due to the fact the phone was only $210 with 3gb RAM (Memory), 32gb ROM, 5.2" AMOLED display, Voice & Finger Print, NFC, dual Nano GSM or SDCard & GSM. Honestly I love the phone so much I'm going to find a network to use it on... I is quick responsive and in a month I'll have Nougat as well. I paid nearly as much for another phone which is just god Awful :crying: Samsung Galaxy Prime I think is the model.
I've been shopping for an affordable phone and the only one which has the same specs is Amazon phone, but they strip out the NFC card for US customers, which seems to be the norm. All other reasonably priced phones seem to neglect NFC or RAM. I have been using mine to surf web/play games/Audio Book player till I actually use all the minutes I have on TracFone or Nougat is released. :victory::silly:

Flex 2 on RingPlus ($35/3gb LTE)

For those of you who aren't tied to a contract with Sprint, you can bring your phone to a wonderful MVNO called RingPlus. They offer loads of wicked cheap plans. The one I'm using is $35 a month with unlimited talk and text, plus 3gb of 4G LTE/3G. Coverage is great, and it's the cheapest carrier available (I couldn't get my Flex on Ting for some reason.)

happyjack96 said:
For those of you who aren't tied to a contract with Sprint, you can bring your phone to a wonderful MVNO called RingPlus. They offer loads of wicked cheap plans. The one I'm using is $35 a month with unlimited talk and text, plus 3gb of 4G LTE/3G. Coverage is great, and it's the cheapest carrier available (I couldn't get my Flex on Ting for some reason.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did they have to manually do it? Or where you able to do it online only?

simon21 said:
Did they have to manually do it? Or where you able to do it online only?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it all online in minutes. I signed up at night, and by morning I was texting and making calls. There was a problem with data at first, but they fixed it. I'm very happy with the service.

happyjack96 said:
I did it all online in minutes. I signed up at night, and by morning I was texting and making calls. There was a problem with data at first, but they fixed it. I'm very happy with the service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just signed up with Ringplus after getting and unlocked LG Flex 2. I get calls and texts, but after I shut my phone off, sometimes it'll reboot and say "service disabled", and other times, I just won't get a data connection (3G or otherwise). Are these the problems you fixed? If so, how?